Stress is an inevitable part of everyday life. Sometimes we manage it well. Other times, not so much. But understanding the role of stress in our overall health and wellness is essential to taking it head-on. Its not just that stress can take over our thoughts; it can take over our bodies. From the flight or fight response to inflammation, from feeling anxious to feeling sick, it can deteriorate our bodies and our minds from the inside out.

While many books promise tips on managing stress, this book takes it one step further to consider the science behind stress and how it affects our minds and bodies, offering evidence-based approaches to managing stress for optimum results. Amitava Dasgupta guides readers to a greater understanding of the mechanisms at work when stress is present and provides guidance for dealing with those physical and mental responses. While grounded in the science of stress, this work also helps readers employ those strategies that will best manage stress for better overall health.

Amitava Dasgupta, PhD,is a tenured full professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston. He has published 221 scientific papers, wrote many invited review articles and abstracts, edited, co-edited, co-authored and authored a total of 21 books, includingScience of Drinking: How Alcohol Affects Your Body and Mind (R&L, 2011). He is on the Editorial Board of five major medical journals includingAmerican Journal of Clinical Pathology andArchives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. He is the recipient of 2009 Irvine Sunshine Award from the International Association for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology. He also received Outstanding Contribution to Education Award from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry in 2010.

Chapter 1. Adverse Effects of Stress on Mind and Body
Chapter 2.Do Women have Better Coping Skill in Response to Stress?
Chapter 3. Pets are Natural Stress Busters
Chapter 4. Social Support, Volunteering, Laughter, or Taking Vacation for Stress Management
Chapter 5. Exercise, Yoga and Meditation for Stress Management
Chapter 6. Aromatherapy, Massage, Reiki and Music for Stress Management
Chapter 7. Making Love to Your Spouse/Romantic Partner-a Great Stress Buster
Chapter 8. Balanced Diet for Prevention of Chronic Diseases and Stress Management
Chapter 9. Drinking in Moderation for Stress Relief
Chapter 10. Stress Relief and Other Health Benefits of Chocolate